Hey y'all! Are you ready to take your dinner game up a notch with a meal that's bursting with vibrant Caribbean flavors? This Flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is the perfect fusion of spicy, creamy, and downright irresistible. Whether you're planning a cozy family night, entertaining friends, or just craving a taste of the tropics, this dish delivers every time. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- The combination of spicy jerk seasoning and creamy sauce is absolutely mouthwatering.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight dinner hero.
- Perfect balance of protein, carbs, and veggies for a satisfying meal.
- Easily customizable for different tastes or dietary needs.
- Brings bold Caribbean flair to your table without leaving home!
Ingredients for Flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions (about 10-12 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry, then toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the Jamaican jerk seasoning until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the shrimp, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the bell peppers and red onion for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of reserved pasta water, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet and toss everything together until well coated in the creamy jerk sauce. Warm through for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes for the Best Flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Use freshly cooked pasta for the best texture and to help the sauce cling beautifully.
- Adjust the jerk seasoning to your preferred spice level—start with less if you're sensitive to heat.
- If your sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time for perfect creaminess.
Flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe Variations
- Coconut Cream: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free, tropical twist.
- Vegetarian: Substitute shrimp for sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a veggie-packed meal.
- Low-Carb: Serve over spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of pasta.
Required Equipment for Flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency. This dish is best enjoyed fresh as the shrimp can become overcooked if reheated too long.
Serving Recommendations for Flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Pair with a crisp green salad or simple green salad to balance the spicy, creamy pasta.
- Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- For the juiciest shrimp, make sure not to overcook—remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque (here’s how).
- Toss the cooked pasta directly into the sauce while it's still hot to ensure every strand is coated and absorbs maximum flavor.
- To deepen the Caribbean flavor, finish with a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of allspice.
Flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking for the best texture.
- Is Jamaican jerk seasoning very spicy?
- Jerk seasoning can be quite spicy, but you can adjust the amount to your heat preference or use a mild variety.
- What other proteins can I use?
- You can substitute chicken breast, tofu, or even salmon if you prefer a different protein with similar seasoning and cooking times.
Flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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2In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with Jamaican jerk seasoning until evenly coated.
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3Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
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4In the same skillet, add red bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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5Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and cook until sauce thickens slightly.
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6Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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